After a first-half defensive battle, the No. 2-ranked University of Michigan football team rebounded in the second half to secure a 20-6 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday afternoon at Michigan Stadium.
The Wolverine defense allowed just 98 total yards in the first half, including 20 yards on the ground. Iowa's 41 total rushing yards on the afternoon marked the sixth time this season Michigan has held an opponent to less than 50 yards rushing. By allowing only two field goals by the Hawkeyes, the Wolverine defense kept an opponent out of the end zone for the first time since playing Eastern Michigan last season.
Junior quarterback Chad Henne directed the offense, completing 23-of-33 for 203 yards. Henne's 203 yards moves him past 1,500 yards for the season for the third consecutive year. Henne's Number-one target was native Iowan junior wide receiver Adrian Arrington, who tallied eight catches for 79 yards. Senior wide receiver Steve Breaston added seven catches for 49 yards.
Bet on College Football at BetRoyal
Get the latest college football point spreads here.
Junior tailback Mike Hart cracked the century mark for the seventh time this season, rushing for 126 yards on 31 carries and two touchdowns. Hart reached 1,000 yards rushing on the season for the second time in his career.
Michigan grabbed a 3-0 lead on a 20-yard field goal by senior kicker Garrett Rivas at 7:13 in the second quarter. The score capped off a 12-play, 54-yard drive that lasted 4:17 and featured two catches by sophomore tight end Carson Butler for 29 yards. Hart fueled the series, gaining a tough 13 yards on only three carries, but the drive stalled on the Iowa three after two Arrington receptions were ruled out of bounds. Michigan gained possession of the ball at the Michigan 43 after forcing Iowa's first three-and-out of the afternoon, deep in their own territory.
Iowa knotted the game at three with a 34-yard field goal by Kyle Schlicher at 10:06 in the third quarter. The Hawkeyes gained possession of the ball on an interception by linebacker Mike Humpal at Michigan's 26. On first down, Tate connected with receiver Andy Brodell for nine yards but failed to move the ball on second or third down as Woodley provided pressure in the offensive backfield.
The Wolverines retook the lead on the ensuing drive as a nine-yard touchdown run by Hart gave the Wolverines a 10-3 lead at 6:36 in the third quarter. Michigan started the drive at the Iowa 35 following a 64-yard kickoff return by Breaston. Hart continued to be a workhorse for the Wolverines, carrying the ball five times for 27 yards on the drive. Henne converted two third-down passes on the drive, the first a six-yard completion to Breaston followed by an 11-yard catch by Arrington. The score was Hart's 20th career touchdown.
Trailing 10-3, Iowa cut the deficit to four on the foot of Sclicher, whose 22-yard field goal at 2:11 in the third quarter capped off a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Tate completed four passes for 65 yards on the drive. Michigan matched the score on the following drive with a 37-yard field goal by Rivas at 12:55 left in the fourth quarter to gain a 13-6 advantage. On the possession, Hart carried the load with six carries for 34 yards.
Hart continued to churn out yards for the Wolverines late in the fourth quarter as his 10-yard touchdown run gave Michigan a commanding 20-6 lead with 3:59 remaining in the game. Hart carried the ball seven times on the drive for 27-yards with Henne completing two-of-two for 16 yards.
Iowa came within striking distance on the following drive, but a pass breakup by senior safety Brandent Englemon on fourth down from the Michigan 15 sealed the 20-6 Wolverine victory.
Michigan came into the game favored by odds makers –13-points and a total of 44. Michigan backers cashed on the Wolverines for the fourth straight week and under supporters cashed in Michigan games five weeks straight.
